You’re on an airplane, enjoying some of the hottest new tunes with your favorite noise-cancelling headphones. You take a sip of soda and close your eyes as you recline your seat and enjoy the flight.

“Excuse me.”

“Excuse me, please.”

The dreaded monologue from the passenger sitting next to you, as you know they’re going to uproot you as they go to the toilet. But we try and be as quick as possible to let them out. The trouble for you is your phone is in the seat pocket in front of you and your tray table is down. You frantically try and get out of your seat in the best way possible, but you forget your headphones are still plugged into your phone and are still in your ears.

The world goes into slow motion, as your earphones hit the floor and bounce a couple of times, gathering dirt as they go. You’re cursing under your breath.

Doesn’t this sound like a scene of the past? Something that should just be improved? Of course and if you want to keep your kicking pair of headphones but lose the wires, a Bluetooth Headphone Adapter is the way to go! I did it, and I’ve never looked back.

What is a Bluetooth Headphone Adapter?

Wires = gone.

It’s as simple as that. You plug your normal headphones into a small gadget and that connects to your phone via Bluetooth. No more direct link between our ears and your phone – total bliss when you want to leave your phone in your pocket or bag.

Why You Need a Bluetooth Headphone Adapter

There are many reasons to upgrade your current setup to a Bluetooth Headphone Adapter. As I highlighted before, wireless headphones can prevent awkward and annoying situations on an airplane. But I’ve also handpicked the top three reasons to improve your audio experience.

One of the annoying things about the speed with which technology evolves is that you can easily be left behind, and having to spend a small fortune to upgrade and keep up can be ridiculous. If you want to enjoy wireless headphones with noise cancelling tech, this can easily set you back $300. But with a Bluetooth Headphone Adapter, you can retrofit your favorite headphones for a fraction of the cost. Plus you don’t have to worry about selling your old headphones.

One of the most obvious reasons to buy wireless headphones is the simply lose the wires. Just imagine going for a run, and your headphones keep falling out of your ears. I know when I used to run with wired headphones I would have to stop every five minutes to readjust and get them just right. With the Griffin iTrip Clip adapter, you can ensure your favorite headphones are secure with the handy clip, whilst storing the wire out of your way!

Lastly, a huge benefit of Bluetooth headphones is the ability to easily connect to different devices, not just the one you can plug your headphones into. If you switch between your phone, tablet or computer, you can ensure you’re connected to the right device with a click of a button. When I’m editing videos at home, it’s so easy to move between my laptop and phone when I’m ready to go out. It is seriously a game changer and makes listening to music so much more enjoyable!.

How to Install a Bluetooth Headphone Adapter

Difficulty Level: Child’s play

Set up is as easy as connecting to a Wi-Fi network. You plug your headphones into the device, and connect it to your phone in the Bluetooth settings. Using Bluetooth means that, after initial setup, your phone will automatically connect to your headphones automatically. Technology doesn’t have to be complicated and hard to use.

How much do Bluetooth Headphone Adapters cost?

Adapters can range from $70 to $10, however your average adapter will cost only $20 – a great price for all the convenience of wireless audio.

The Best Bluetooth Headphone Adapters – 2017

Here’s the the top 5 Bluetooth adapters you can use to get your favorite headset on the go.

5. TekHome Bluetooth Audio Receiver

The TekHome is a sleek choice, but also very versatile. Because it has a 3.5mm adapter built in, it can be plugged directly into the larger headphones on the market. This is also great if you want to upgrade your car’s music system or the Hi-Fi speakers in your home. It comes with a micro USB slot for easy charging and has a run time of up to five hours of continual wireless playback.

The only drawback with the TekHome is that you can’t directly plug it into smaller earphones because it doesn’t have a 3.5mm connector into the device. This limits its usage for headphones, but depending on your setup can be a game changer.

Key Benefits

Small and compact means you can take it with you wherever you go.

Compatiable with headphones and also home Hi-Fi systems, so you get two for one with the TekHome.

4. TaoTronics Wireless Portable Bluetooth Transmitter

The TaoTronics Wireless Portable Bluetooth Transmitter is a really well-priced Bluetooth Headphone Adapter. It is something that I’ve been looking at for a while, especially as it has Double Link technology. This means that you can simultaneously connect to two devices at the same time. So if you’re travelling, you can listen to music on your phone and then seamlessly switch to your iPad for editing your travel video. This is usually only found in high end Bluetooth headphones, but you can enjoy this insane tech for only $14.99!

Again, the drawback is you need an adapter to connect it to 3.5mm headphones but that’s only a small price to pay for this great technology!

Key Benefits

Can simultaneously connect to two audio devices at one time – so no reconnecting when watching a film on your iPad and taking a call on your iPhone.

Up to seven hours of wireless audio playback time – great for those who love listening to music all the time.

Small and portable, it also works with a range of up to 30 feet.

3. Griffin iTrip Clip Bluetooth Headphone Adapter

Priced at just $14.99, the Griffin iTrip is an excellent choice for anyone looking to upgrade their headphones. It is compact and easy to use, with control buttons built directly into the device. This is a great feature if you don’t have high tech headphones with volume or play/ pause controls.

It also has a super handy clip with it too, and I’ve been coveting this when I go on my runs. This means I could hook my normal, lightweight headphones up to my Apple Watch when I go running, and with the built in clip, the Griffin won’t be running away from me. The Griffin iTrip also gives a whopping 6 hours of run time, meaning I’ll definitely be exhausted before the Griffin stops working!

As it’s made by Griffin, it’s backed by a great company with years of experience in the tech market. This means you know you’ll be in good hands with this one!

Key Benefits

Comes with a built in clip – perfect for runners.

Has volume and audio controls built into the adapter – great for those headphones that dont have any of their own controls.

2. AirMod Wireless Bluetooth Adapter

For me, this is an absolute game changer. I recently got some Bose QC25s, but completely forgot that my new iPhone 7 doesn’t have a headphone jack. So I got the AirMod Wireless Bluetooth Adapter and haven’t looked back. The sleek design doesn’t look horrible against the Bose headphones, and has built in headphone controls and microphone for phone calls and using Siri. Its sleek design fits perfectly with the Bose headphones. Whilst they are on the more expensive end of the market, they were definitely worth the investment. It saved me buying a whole new pair of nose headphones – over $300 saving right there.

The only drawback of the AirMod is that it only works with Bose headphones. This means that you can’t use it with other headphones or, unlike the TekHome, use it to upgrade a Hi-Fi system in your home.

Key Benefits

Changes your high-end Bose headphones into great wireless ones.

Fits snugly against the shape and design of the Bose headphones, so you won’t compromise on style when ditching the wires.

You’love get a whopping 8 hours of talk and play time from the AirMod, plus it will work with either iOS or Android decides.

1. Avantree aptX

The Avantree aptX with Mic is a complete game changer. It has a price tag that is middle of the market, but performance that outweighs some of the most sophisticated Bluetooth Headphone Adapters. It has low-latency technology built in. This means that the delay from music being sent from your phone to the Bluetooth device is so small that your ears cannot even detect it.

It has a whopping six hours of music playback, and this can be upped if you charge it while listening. This is great for people who like to talk on the phone for hours, especially with the built in microphone. Whether you’re doing a Skype call, listening to music or gaming, the Avantree aptX has you covered!

Additionally, the Avantree comes with a Y headphone splitter which is great when you want to share your favorite movies and videos with your friends. I have a pair of Bluetooth headphones, but I can’t let someone else listen at the same time. But with the Avantree, you and your friends can enjoy the benefits of wireless audio.

Key Benefits

Low-latency technology means you’ll hear music and calls excactly as they happen, without delay!

Comes with a Y headphone splitter, so you and your friend can listen at the same time.

Up to 6 hours of music playback during the day, which can be boosted if you listen whilst the charging!

Once you make the change to wireless headphones, you’ll never look back. Trust me, I did it and it has improved my music experience so much.

Now you know what the top Bluetooth Headphone Adapters are, all you need to do is choose the model that is right for you. Is it going to be the ultra-slick AirMods for your Bose headphones, or the Avantree? Either way, you can now take your audio listening experience to a whole new level!

I know I need to upgrade some of my headphones, will you do it too? Let us know I need the comments below!

Ideaing empowers you to live smarter. Our team researches and recommends only the best smart gadgets, and we may earn a small commission if you buy through our site. Our writers maintain strict editorial independence and integrity. Ideaing is independently owned and the opinions expressed here are our own. Learn more about us.

Sharing is caring

all shares

Subscribe to the most unique community centered on Smarter Living. Get tips, stories,
and freebies

Join and also get exclusive coupons and giveaways on Smart gadgets. Opt-out anytime